UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Designated Baby-Friendly® Hospital

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC) has been designated a Baby-Friendly® Hospital by Baby-Friendly USA. UM UCMC is one of five hospitals in Maryland to receive the designation and is the first and only hospital within the University of Maryland Medical System to be named a Baby-Friendly® Hospital.

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

“We are honored that University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center has been awarded the Baby-Friendly® Hospital designation,” said Lyle E. Sheldon, president and CEO of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. “Our Department of Women’s and Children’s Services provides excellent care to mothers and babies, and having Baby-Friendly USA commend the work we do each and every day is gratifying. We thank them for the honor.”

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

The “Baby-Friendly” designation is given after a rigorous, on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the “Ten Steps” as demonstrated by quality processes.

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 372 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States.

About University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake HealthIn December 2013, Upper Chesapeake Health became University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. It consists of the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and the Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air and the University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace. The leading health care system and largest private employer in Harford County, UM Upper Chesapeake Health offers a broad range of health care services, technology and facilities to the residents of northeastern Maryland. Visit www.umuch.org for more information.

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